Presumably, the WSL's transcontinental vessel will be slightly larger than this. Photo: WSL

Here’s the Price List for a Seat on the WSL’s Secret Flight

Plus, what we’ve learned about The Australian leg of the tour.

news // Feb 25, 2021

Words by Michael Ciaramella

A few weeks back, Jed Smith reported on the WSL’s plans to charter a private Boeing 747 flight from Los Angeles to Sydney in the lead-up to the Australian Tour leg.

On this plane will be every Tour surfer and essential worker (coaches, WSL staff, etc.) not currently in Australia. The plan is to leave LA on March 6, land in Sydney March 8, and perform a 14-day quarantine prior to the opening event at Newcastle (April 1).

You might be wondering how much it will cost the WSL to charter a massive jet. The price is allegedly close to $500k USD.

The WSL is selling seats on the plane for the following amounts:
Economy: $2,500
Premium economy: $4,000
Business: $6,000

This is, reportedly, a one-way fare. Surfers will be responsible for making their own ways home. But don’t take that as the WSL being stingy—this is a loss leader for them any way you add it up.

Oh and Hotel Quarantine costs an additional $2,500 USD per person.

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We’ve recently had a chat with the man responsible for the Australian leg’s continued existence*, Andrew Stark. In the Stab CUSP episode, we learned that spectators will be allowed to physically attend all events except for Rottnest Island, which is a nature reserve. In alignment with state laws, 3,000 people will be allowed to watch from the beaches of Newcastle and Narrabeen, while 2,500 heads may adorn the cliff at Margaret River.

As far as the rest of the Tour is concerned, the WSL still plans to run their “regular season” events in Tahiti and the wavepool, covid-permitting. They’ve also confirmed the WSL Finals event at Lower Trestles in August. The top 6 men and women in the rankings after Australia (and potentially Tahiti + the pool) will qualify for this event, where they can win the World Championship.

*Rip Curl should also get some credit here as they’ve ponied up to sponsor three of the our events: Newcastle, Narrabeen, and Rottnest (aka The Search).